A Democratic Senate staffer’s shocking impersonation of an attorney to free a criminal illegal immigrant has exposed the dangerous lengths leftist offices will go to obstruct immigration enforcement.
Story Highlights
- Senator Tammy Duckworth fires staffer Edward York for posing as attorney to help detained illegal immigrant
- York attempted to secure release of Jose Ismael Ayuzo Sandoval, who has DUI conviction and four prior deportations
- DHS captured incident on video, launching federal investigation into misconduct
- Case raises serious concerns about congressional staff ethics and immigration enforcement interference
Congressional Staffer Caught Red-Handed in Attorney Deception
Edward York, a Constituent Outreach Coordinator for Senator Tammy Duckworth, attempted to deceive federal immigration officials by falsely presenting himself as a licensed attorney. On October 29, 2025, York arrived at the St. Louis ICE office claiming legal representation of Jose Ismael Ayuzo Sandoval, a detained illegal immigrant.
This brazen act of impersonation represents a serious breach of federal law and congressional ethics standards that could constitute criminal fraud.
The Department of Homeland Security documented York’s deceptive conduct on video, providing irrefutable evidence of the misconduct. DHS officials subsequently launched a comprehensive investigation and released both video footage and formal correspondence to Duckworth’s office.
This transparency demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to holding bad actors accountable, regardless of their political connections or motivations.
Criminal Illegal Immigrant at Center of Controversy
The subject of York’s intervention, Jose Ismael Ayuzo Sandoval, exemplifies the type of criminal alien that threatens American communities. The 40-year-old restaurant owner from Staunton, Illinois, carries a DUI conviction and has been deported to Mexico four separate times.
His repeated illegal re-entries demonstrate flagrant disrespect for American sovereignty and immigration law, making him a prime candidate for permanent removal under proper enforcement protocols.
Sandoval’s criminal history and multiple deportations raise serious questions about why Duckworth’s office would prioritize his case over law-abiding immigrants seeking legal pathways to residency.
This selective advocacy for criminal aliens undermines public safety and sends a dangerous message that illegal behavior will be rewarded with congressional protection. The pattern reflects broader Democratic priorities that consistently favor lawbreakers over victims and law-abiding citizens.
Federal Investigation Exposes Systemic Problems
The swift federal response to York’s misconduct highlights the seriousness of impersonating legal counsel in immigration proceedings. ICE and DHS officials immediately recognized the fraudulent nature of York’s claims and initiated proper investigative protocols.
While no criminal charges have been announced, the ongoing federal probe could result in serious legal consequences for the former staffer, including potential felony charges for impersonation and obstruction of justice.
Senator Duckworth’s decision to terminate York only after media exposure raises troubling questions about her office’s initial knowledge and approval of the deceptive tactics.
The timing suggests damage control rather than principled leadership, indicating possible systemic problems in how Democratic offices approach immigration advocacy. This incident demands comprehensive review of congressional staff training and oversight to prevent future abuses of authority.
Sources:
Dem Senate Staffer Fired For Pretending to Be an Attorney
Staunton restaurant owner’s detention sparks probe into senator’s staffer
